Plant growth stimulator

ABSTRACT

A plant growth stimulator useful for promoting and maintaining plant growth, wherein said stimulator is post-microbial culture inoculation nutrient medium consisting of black tea and a carbohydrate source, wherein the culture is consisting of  Acetobacter xylinum , Candida sp. and  Zygosaccharomyces rouxii , and a process for the preparation of the plant growth stimulator, and further, a method of promoting and maintaining the growth of plants using the plant stimulator of claim 1 having multiple disease resistance activity.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0001] A plant growth stimulator useful for promoting and maintainingplant growth, wherein said stimulator is post-microbial cultureinoculation nutrient medium consisting of black tea and a carbohydratesource, wherein the culture is consisting of Acetobacter xylinum,Candida sp. and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, and a process for thepreparation of the plant growth stimulator, and further, a method ofpromoting and maintaining the growth of plants using the plantstimulator of claim 1 having multiple disease resistance activity.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0002] In agriculture/horticulture many chemical materials used forimproving plant health and productivity, are proving after many years,to have undesirable side effects. Leaving toxic chemical residues onvegetables, fruits or in soil are reported to be toxic to soil and tohuman health Many man-made materials do not biodegrade and are provingdanger to environment by increasing soil and water pollution. Someherbal materials are found to be useful for increasing plant health andproductivity. However, plants take long time to grow and produce theherbal material for commercial use. There is also a constraint on theavailability of land to produce such a material. As it is, there is verylimited land available for providing food security to increasingpopulation. Under such conditions, microbial preparations prove useful.

[0003] In the prior art “Tea fungus” has been used to produce cellulosicBiofilm for medical use-for example as a temporary skin cover in burnsand other injuries and the fermented tea left behind has been used as ahealth drink for human consumption in processes hitherto and describedherein below. Acetobacter Cellulose Pellicle as a Temporary SkinSubstitute. J. D. Fontana A .M. De Souza, C. K. Fontana, I. L. Torriani,J. C. Moreschi, B. J. Gallotti, S. J. De Souza, G. P. Narsisco, J. A.Bichara and L. F. X. Farah, Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, vol24/25253-263 (1990). A bacterial strain with morphological properties toAcetobacterium xylinum has been cultured in glass vessels innon-agitated inverted sucrose and yeast water based medium forproduction of thick, smooth and floating cellulosic pellicles. Theapyrogenic bacterial biomass, a minor component of the dried biofilmafter inactivating by ethylene dioxide had been applied on exuding orbloody tissue. The biofilm displayed several advantages as a biologicaldressing.

[0004] Nature of plant stimulators in the production of Acetobacterxylinum (Tea Fungus) Biofilm used in skin therapy. J. D. Fontana, V. C.Franco, S. J. De. Souza, I. N. Lyra and A. M. De Souza, AppliedBiochemistry and Biotechnology, vol 28/29.341-351 (1991).

[0005] The beneficial role of certain plant extracts in cellulosesynthesis was observed. In this work, plant extracts served assubstitutes for conventional and co-nutritional sources as yeast or maltextracts. This invention was centered in the nature of compounds arisingfrom such plants as Camellia (commercial tea), Paullina, Coffee(unroasted seeds), Theobroma (cacao) Kola or Sterculia (cola nut). Theseplants display, as a common feature, a high content of xanthine basedsubstances. Because of the reduced amount requirement as supplement tocarbon source, their infusions were used as low priced ingredients inmedia formulations. It was found that “tea extract” was a bettersupplement to ‘yeast extract” for producing cellulose pellicle.

[0006] Characterization of the “Tea fungus” metabolites. Phillips J.Blanc. Biotechnology Letters, Volume 18 (2), 139-142 (1996).

[0007] The symbiotic culture “Tea fungus”, traditionally grown on blacktea with sucrose for 7 days gives a pleasantly sour and sparklingbeverage under aerobic conditions.

[0008] The consumption of fermented tea was firstly practiced in 220B.C. in Manchuria. It then spread to Russia. During the world war II,this beverage was introduced to Germany”, then in the 50's, it arrivedin France and also in France dominated North Africa, where itsconsumption was quite popular. Presently, its consumption is popular inUnited States, this popularity is mainly due to its refreshing power,curative power, presence of vitamin B1, B2, B6 and the antibacterialproperties.

[0009] Blanc, studied the metabolite formation: by “Tea fungus” inpresence of 6.1-10.0% sucrose containing media and growing the culturefor a period of 0-12 days. The results showed that in the absence ofsucrose, acetic acid formation reached the maximum value up to day 5,rapidly decreasing up to day 10. Gluconic acid formation reached maximumat about 7 days and remained steady up to 13 days. With increasingsucrose concentration, there was increase in the gluconic acid formationbut decrease in the acetic acid and alcohol synthesis. At 10% sucroseconcentration, ethanol concentration rose to a maximum of 1.34 g/l after5 days of incubation and subsequently decreased. The acetic acid, whichwas converted from ethanol also, rose to a maximum value of (4.5-6.5g/l) until the ₁₅ ^(th) day of incubation. He also found that thecomposition of different fermented tea preparations greatly dependedupon the individual tea fungus used from different origins.

[0010] Another study, a patent WO 96/24680 (PCT/US96/01846),demonstrated that ‘Tea fungus’ or fermented tea, produced a materialwhich had inter alia heat resisting and heat insulating properties. Thismaterial was used for several applications such as, a burn wound healingmaterial, fire extinguishing material, protecting human body as a fireresistant coating material and as a desalinating material. The spentliauor was used a health drink.

[0011] In all these studies the aim was to use the fermented tea forhuman consumption as a health drink and the fungal biomass mainly aswound cover in the treatment of burns. The use of the said material ashealth stimulant has been reported.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0012] The main object of the present invention is to develop a plantgrowth stimulator.

[0013] Another main object of the present invention is to develop aprocess for the preparation of the plant stimulator.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop amethod of stimulating and promoting and maintaining plant growth.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to develop amultiple-disease resistant plant growth stimulator.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0016] A plant growth stimulator useful for promoting and maintainingplant growth, wherein said stimulator is post-microbial cultureinoculation nutrient medium consisting of black tea and a carbohydratesource, wherein the culture is consisting of Acetobacter xylinum,Candida sp. and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, and a process for thepreparation of the plant growth stimulator, and further, a method ofpromoting and maintaining the growth of plants using the plantstimulator of claim 1 having multiple disease resistance activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0017] A plant growth stimulator useful for promoting and maintainingplant growth, wherein said stimulator is post-microbial cultureinoculation nutrient medium consisting of black tea and a carbohydratesource, wherein the culture is consisting of Acetobacter xylinum,Candida sp. and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, and a process for thepreparation of the plant growth stimulator, and further, a method ofpromoting and maintaining the growth of plants using the plantstimulator of claim 1 having multiple disease resistance activity.

[0018] In main another embodiment of the present invention, wherein aplant growth stimulator useful for promoting and maintaining plantgrowth, said stimulator is post-microbial culture inoculation nutrientmedium consisting of black tea and a carbohydrate source, wherein theculture is consisting of Acetobacter xylinum, Candida sp. andZygosaccharomyces rouxii,

[0019] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein aprocess for the preparation of the plant growth stimulator, said processcomprising steps of:

[0020] preparing nutrient medium comprising black tea and a carbohydratesource,

[0021] inoculating microbial mixture consisting of bacterium Acetobacterxylinum, and yeasts Candida sp. and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii to thenutrient medium to obtain a culture,

[0022] maintaining culture in a stationary phase for about 3-8 days atroom temperature, and

[0023] separating the biomass from the culture to obtain plant growthstimulator.

[0024] In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereinnutrient medium comprises a carbohydrate source of concentration rangingbetween 0.5-10%, and black tea powder of concentration ranging between0.1 to 1.5% in water.

[0025] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepH of the medium is ranging between 4.0 to 5.0.

[0026] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thetea is obtained from plant Camellia saneness.

[0027] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thecarbohydrate source is sucrose.

[0028] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconcentration of carbohydrate is 2.5%.

[0029] In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereinconcentration of tea powder is about 0.5%.

[0030] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theroom temperature is about 30° C.

[0031] In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereinmaintaining the culture for about 6 days.

[0032] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator shows golden yellow color due to carbohydrate.

[0033] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thecarbohydrate is utilized in first two days of the incubation.

[0034] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein amethod of promoting and maintaining the growth of plants using the plantstimulator of claim 1 having multiple disease resistance activity, saidmethod comprising the steps, of:

[0035] diluting the stock solution of stimulator with water,

[0036] spraying the diluted stimulator on the plants, and

[0037] obtaining plants of increased growth having multiple-diseaseresistance.

[0038] In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsaid stimulator promoting flower and fruit growth both qualitatively andquantitatively.

[0039] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedilution is ranging between 0.2 to 5%.

[0040] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator is used as plant foliar spray.

[0041] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator is to be used about 1-5 times.

[0042] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator shows activity after about two sprays.

[0043] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theminimum of three sprays are required for desired changes.

[0044] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator provides multiple disease resistance to plants.

[0045] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thediluted material is a mixture of organic acids, and low molecular weightploy phenols.

[0046] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator is used at an interval of about 7-18 days.

[0047] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themicrobial mixture can be stored and transported in dry form and used bydiluting in water for about 25-35 minutes.

[0048] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thetea contributes to multiple disease resistance activity of thestimulator.

[0049] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestimulator is active for about 100 days.

[0050] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thestalk diameter of the plant doubles.

[0051] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theflower diameter increases by about 60-70%.

[0052] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theflower bud emergence is as high as about 98%.

[0053] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theleaves of the plant shine with more luster.

[0054] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thenumber of flowers per plant increases by about 150-200%.

[0055] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein allthe flowers bloom at one time.

[0056] In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereinthis invention relates to fungus inoculated plant health stimulator.More particularly it relates to the said material having plant healthstimulating, flower and fruit promoting activity useful for maintainingplants in a healthy state and improving plant quality and quantity offlowers and fruits useful in horticulture, floriculture and nurseries.Still more particularly it relates to the said material comprisingfungus inoculated Tea.

[0057] The present invention there is provided a low cost method forpreparation of a material to improve plant health, productivity andquality of flowers and fruits.

[0058] The method comprises preparing a nutrient medium in which “Teafungus” will grow, adding a starter culture of “Tea Fungus” to thenutrient medium. Growing the culture on the surface of the nutrientmedium and separating the material from the culture.

[0059] In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein“Tea Fungus” is essentially a mixture of a bacterium Acetobacter xylinumand yeasts: Candida sp. and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii in sugar tea. “Teafungus” term probably arises from the bacterium's ability to synthesizea floating cellulose network that resembles a surface mold growing onnon-agitated liquid media.

[0060] Accordingly, the present invention provides obtaining a fungusinoculated plant health stimulator comprising of preparing a nutrientmedium in stainless steel vessel, adding a culture, maintaining in astationary phase for 2-8 days at a room temperature, growing the cultureon the surface of the nutrient medium in plastic containers, separatingthe biomass from the culture, to obtain the plant health stimulator.

[0061] In a feature of the present invention the nutrient mediumcontains a carbohydrate source having concentration of 0.5 to −10%exemplified by sucrose and black tea powder 0.1 to 1.5% in water at a pHranging between 4 to 5.0.

[0062] In another feature of the present invention the stock solution isdiluted before use with water as given in Table-1: TABLE 1 Plant %Dilution Rose sp. 1.0 to 2.0 Jasmin sp 0.5 to 1.0% Mango sp 0.5 to 1.0%

[0063] The above dilutions are for illustrative purpose only and shouldnot be construed the limit of the Scope of Invention.

[0064] In still another feature the diluted material may be used as aplant folier spray, Regular use of this material helps plants to acquiredisease resistance to remain healthy. The diluted material thus preparedis a mixture of organic acids and low molecular weight ploy phenols.After spraying in very dilute form, it helps plants to acquire multipledisease resistance and enhances plant health and productivity withrespect to flowers and fruits

[0065] The fungus is cultured or cultivated from a pre-culture, or astarter culture of the fungus in closed plastic boxes having a bottomwall and a peripheral side walls upstanding from the bottom wall. Thepreferred nutrient medium is an aqueous extract of the black tea powderthat is conventionally used for drinking(i.e. leaves from the plantsCameillia saneness)with a carbohydrate such as, sugar dissolved therein.Typically the aqueous tea extract contains 2.5% by weight of sugar and0.5% by weight of tea powder. This provides an adequate nutrient medium.Tea is prepared using filtered tap water in a stainless steel vessel.The fungus is preferably cultured in plastic boxes, at room temperatureranging from 15 to 40° C., preferably at 30° C. for at least 3 days,preferably 6 days.

[0066] The optimum conditions and parameters under which the fungus iscultured may be determined by routine experimentation by a personskilled in the art. When the color of the medium turns golden yellow andimparts acidic smell, the material is separted from the fungal mass.Part of the fungus may be sun dried and preserved. When required, it isimmersed in water for about 30 minutes to form a gel like material andcan be s a starter The plant health stimulator provided by the presentinvention is also used to increase plant health and productivity. Ingeneral following improvements were observed in the plant health, andproductivity.

[0067] This liquid is used as a plant foliar spray after suitabledilution regularly with an interval of 15 days.

[0068] Part of the “Tea fungus” may be commuted to form a dry film aftersun drying and when required, it is immersed in water for about 30minutes and used as a starter culture when required. Remaining materialcan be used as an adsorbent to sediment the colloidal particles fromindustrial effluent.

[0069] The invention is illustrated by the following examples, whichshould not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0070] The nutrient medium was prepared by adding 2.5% w/v cane sugarand 0-1.5% w/v of black tea powder, to boiling tap water and immediatelyremoving 8 from the gas-stove, covering with lid and allowing to cool toroom temperature, filtering through a muslin cloth, inoculating withfungus and culturing it away from the sun-light or heat. The maximumsugar concentration required for growth of the fungus was 2.5%. In theabsence of sugar, color of the medium did not turn to golden yellow orimpart acidic smell. Under the sugar stress, the fungus synthesized redcolor pigment and fermented tea did not show increase in plantproductivity, when sprayed on plants.

EXAMPLE 2

[0071] The nutrient medium was prepared by adding black tea powder ofany brand in 0.5% w/v concentration. In the absence of black tea, thefermented medium did not show antimicrobial activity and increase inplant productivity. Concentration of tea was not found to be verycritical. Minimum tea concentration of 0.5% w/v was found to be adequateto get golden color liquid with acidic smell.

EXAMPLE 3

[0072] The nutrient medium was inoculated with “Tea fungus” andincubated for 8 days. Sugar utilization was complete within 48 hours.However, the fermented material did not show improvement in plantproductivity in turns of flowers or fruits. The optimum incubationperiod was found to be 6 days. (This was found to be inoculumdependent).

[0073] The majority of plants revealed good results with 1.100 dilution.Some varieties of rose, and mango required 1:50 proportion. Thefermented tea was filtered through muslin cloth and stored for 8-90 daysbefore application.

[0074] The material remained active up to 90 days. Afterwards thematerial lost its

EXAMPLE 4

[0075] The fermented material after proper dilution when sprayed onflowering plants, for 1-5 times at the interval of 8-15 days, showedimprovement in plant health, vigor and productivity; After 2 spraysvisible change was seen in the plant health and color. Minimum 3 spraysare required to get increase in the number of flower buds. There wasalso increase in the size of flowers and in the flower stocks. Thehealthy flowers remained fresh for a longer period on plants as well asin flower vase. These results are summarized in Table 2. TABLE 2Characteristics of leaves, flowers and flower stalks with application ofthe material Plant Untreated Treated Jasmin (Mogara) 40 flowers/plant100 flowers/plant Aboli  5-6/inflorescence  10-12/inflorescence HibiscusJaswandi) 35-40 flowers/plant 150-200 flowers/plant Exora A bunch offlowers A bunch of flowers with with ˜3 cm ˜6.5 cm diameter/branchGerbera Flower diameter ˜5.0 cm 8.0-8.5 cm Stalk diameter  0.4 cm0.7˜0.8 cm [Life on plants/vase ‘ 7 days 10 days

Rose Leaves Tender, dark green Tender, light, green or light to red, noluster red, shining with luster Flower bud Emergence 25% 98% Flowerdiameter  3.5 cm 5.0-5.5 cm Stalk diameter  0.5 cm 1.0 cm Life onplant/vase 6 days 9-11 days

EXAMPLE 5

[0076] The health and flower promoting activity of the material wastested on rose plants. Total ten beds, each having ten plants wereselected for this trial. One month after spurning, total 50 plants weresprayed with the material (One liter tap water received: 10-20 cc of thematerial) after every 15 days. Remaining 50 plants did not receive thematerial and served as control for comparison Results are summarized intable 2.

EXAMPLE 6

[0077] In order to test the material for its health, flower and fruitpromoting activity in case of mango plant, a thirty-year old mango treefrom the applicants garden was selected. The material was diluted andsprayed on this plant fourteen times with 15 days interval during twoconsecutive seasons. The old tree bearing about one hundred fruits peryear showed visible change in the color and texture of leaves; number ofinflorescence bearing female flowers and quality and quantity of fruits.

[0078] 1. The leaves were light green, smooth, tender and shining withluster.

[0079] 2. The tip of every branch produced inflorescence containing morenumber of female flowers.

[0080] 3. All the flowers bloom at one time.

[0081] 4. Numbers of fruits were initially about 400 and 800 in twoseasons respectively.

[0082] 5. Fruits occurred in the bunches of average 4-6 and 6-8respectively.

[0083] 6. At the time of harvest, the author collected about 300 and 700fruits in two seasons respectively.

1. A plant growth stimulator useful for promoting and maintaining plantgrowth, said stimulator is post-microbial culture inoculation nutrientmedium consisting of black tea and a carbohydrate sources wherein theculture is consisting of Aceobacter xylinum, Candida sp. andZygosaccharomyces rouxii.
 2. A process for the preparation of plantgrowth stimulator of claim 1, said process comprising steps of: a.preparing nutrient medium comprising black tea and a carbohydratesource, b. inoculating microbial mixture consisting of bacteriumAcetobacter xylinum, and yeasts Candida sp. and Zygosaccharomyces rouxiito the nutrient medium to obtain a culture; c. maintaining culture in astationary phase for about 3-8 days at room temperature, and d.separating the biomass from the culture to obtain plant growthstimulator.
 3. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein nutrient mediumcomprises a carbohydrate source of concentration ranging between 0.5-10%and black tea powder of concentration ranging between 0.1 to 1.5% inwater.
 4. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pH of the mediumis ranging between 4.0 to 5.0.
 5. A process as claimed in claim 2,wherein the tea is obtained from plant Camellia saneness.
 6. A processas claimed in claim 3, wherein the carbohydrate source is sucrose.
 7. Aprocess as claimed in claim 2, wherein the concentration of carbohydrateis 2.5%.
 8. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein concentration oftea powder is about 0.5%.
 9. A process as claimed in claim 2, whereinthe room temperature is about 30° C.
 10. A process as claimed in claim2, wherein maintaining the culture for about 6 days.
 11. A process asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the stimulator shows golden yellow color dueto carbohydrate.
 12. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein thecarbohydrate is utilized in first two days of the incubation.
 13. Amethod of promoting and maintaining the growth of plants using the plantstimulator of claim 1 having multiple disease resistance activity, saidmethod comprising the steps of: a. diluting the stock solution ofstimulator with water, b. spraying the diluted stimulator on the plants,and c. obtaining plants of increased growth having multiple-diseaseresistance.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said stimulatorpromotes flower and fruit growth both qualitatively and quantitatively.15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the dilution is rangingbetween 0.2 to 5%.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein thestimulator is used as plant foliar spray.
 17. A method as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the stimulator is to be used about 1-5 times.
 18. Amethod as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stimulator shows activityafter about two sprays.
 19. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein theminimum of three sprays are required for desired changes.
 20. A methodas claimed in claim 13, wherein the stimulator provides multiple diseaseresistance to plants.
 21. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein thediluted material is a mixture of organic acids, and low molecular weightploy phenols.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein thestimulator is used at an interval of about 7-18 days.
 23. A method asclaimed in claim 13, wherein the microbial mixture can be stored andtransported in dry form and used by diluting in water for about 25-35minutes.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the teacontributes to multiple disease resistance activity of the stimulator.25. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stimulator is activefor about 100 days.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein thestalk diameter of the plant doubles.
 27. A method as claimed in claim13, wherein the flower diameter increases by about 60-70%.
 28. A methodas claimed in claim 13, wherein the flower bud emergence is as high asabout 98%.
 29. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the leaves ofthe plant shine with more luster.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 13,wherein the number of flowers per plant increases by about 150-200%. 31.A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein all the flowers bloom at onetime.